STRENGTHS:

+ Consistency
+ Contested work
+ Production
+ Work rate

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Hurt factor
- Kicking

Mahmoud Taha is an Essendon Next Generation Academy member and a natural ball-winner. He brought his own pill to the Talent League competition this year, where he averaged 27.2 disposals with Calder Cannons across 12 games. Taha's main focus is his extraction from the contest, often giving off little quick handballs to running teammates, or shovelling it out to space.

That being the case, his kick-to-handball ratio is lopsided compared to a lot of players, with just 40.3 per cent of his disposals being kicks. Kicking is also his main area of improvement given they can be rushed a little wayward, particularly when clearing the ball and caught in congestion.

Outside of that though, Taha is able to work hard around the ground and have an influence at stoppages, which is what has earned him a State Draft Combine invite. He also has the nous to double as a pressure forward given his work rate and finishing, but remains a rookie chance at best. Taha's ties to Essendon may also help his cause.

DRAFT RANGE: Rookie